Resisting distraction during goal setting: insight from neurophysiological and behavioral data

In professional settings, interruptions can frequently disrupt tasks, necessitating adaptive control\r\nprocesses and focused attention to meet deadlines effectively. This research explored the behavioral\r\nand electrophysiological (EEG) markers of professionals’capacity to resist distractions during a goal\r\nsetting task, and their adaptability and willingness to adjust a previously determined time schedule.\r\n33 professionals undertook the three phases of the Time for Goal task (T4G): Distractor Resistance\r\n(DR), Time Confidence Assessment (TCA) and Time-to-Action Adjustment (TAA). Three scores were\r\nderived from these phases (DR, TCA, and TAA). During the RD phase EEG activity of delta, theta,\r\nalpha, and beta frequency bands, was recorded continuously. Participants also filled in the 10-item\r\nBig Five Inventory (BFI). The findings revealed decreased beta band power in the post-distractor\r\nphase compared to the pre-distractor phase over both frontal regions. Conversely, increased beta\r\nband power was observed in the post-distractor phase compared to the pre-distractor phase in the\r\nright temporoparietal junction (rTPJ). Correlations between the EEG workload index (calculated\r\nfrom the ratio of post/pre-distractor EEG data) showed a negative correlation between the DR score\r\nand EEG beta workload index in the right frontal area and a negative correlation between the TAA\r\nscore and EEG alpha workload index in the rTPJ. Additionally, a negative correlation was shown\r\nbetween Emotional Stability trait scores and the TAA score. This study identified a specific activation\r\npattern associated with the ability to resist distractions, highlighting a crucial role for both the beta\r\nband and rTPJ in attentional processes and cognitive control.